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I am constantly amazed at how animated and talkative people get when you mention food. The mere aroma of certain foods can evoke memories that transport us back to a special place and time. Food can bridge the gap between all ages, races and ethnicities.
Let's face it, the only thing that should ever come between people is a table and some serving bowls.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Canadian French Fries Hold The Ketchup!


My parents and I spent anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks a year in Canada for the first 15 years of my life. We formed many friendships while there and got to experience a wide range of food from many different provinces. While visiting areas of Quebec we noticed that everywhere we went they served an item called; "Poutine", it is a very popular snack food there. Poutine is actually a plate of French fries but don't go reaching for the ketchup, these fries are served with cheese curds and hot gravy. May not sound good, it doesn't actually look good but boy it sure tastes good and that's what matters most. The only downfall that I have found making them in the states is the cheese curds I have to use. In Canada they are known for their fresh cheese curd, which are very buttery and salty. Here I rely on the packaged brands in the dairy case which are fine just a bit bland in comparison. The curd actually adds that saltiness we like with our fries, I haven't tried this yet but I was thinking that feta cheese might also work well with this given that it too is quite salty.

Poutine

1 portion of crinkle-cut French fries (any brand)
1 cup heated chicken or beef gravy
1 small bag of curd cheese

Bake or deep fry French fries as indicated on the package.
Spread out evenly on a plate and add curd cheese (as much as desired). Once gravy is steaming hot, pour over cheese and French fries.

Salt and pepper to taste.
Photo/JoeShablotnik/Flickr

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I bet the feta would be good with that. I had feta over fries for the first time @ some restaurant on Thayer Street in Providence, RI. So yummy! I'm not familiar with the gravy aspect though. I might have to try it one weekend!

Julie said...

You will love it, it's a snack that eats like a meal.

Anonymous said...

i love it....

Julie said...

Thank you, Garage Door Repair

Hendersonville Epicurean said...

I've never heard of fries served this way, but our kids have always wanted to dip fries in gravy! Hmmm. Did our children get switched with Canadian babies at birth? They look delicious!

Julie said...

Very funny, Hendersonville Epicurian just add some cheese curds to their gravy and then we will know for sure.

cleon dann said...

i like that from my chilhood... i have not take it frm long time...

regards
cleon dann

Larry Smoot said...

Growing up in Northern Wisconsin we could always get fresh cheese curds from a local dairy. It makes a huge difference. Find your local cheese maker.

I am currently researching why Canadians love fries so much in the first place. I was at a PFK here in Montreal (KFC in the U.S.) the other day and noted there were no mashed potatoes on the menu...only fries. :-)